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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Priestman banned for 12 months</li><li>Olympics team docked six points</li><li>Issued $226,000 fine </li></ul>

FIFA deducts Canada Olympic team six points, bans Bev Priestman for a year over drone spying scandal

FIFA has suspended Canada's Priestman, docked the side six points from their Olympics group stage tally, and also imposed a fine of 200,000 Swiss francs ($226,000), after a drone was flown over a training session against New Zealand before the tournament began. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/canada-soccer-spygate-explained/blte27ee3e06a8add66" target="_blank">The team are also alleged to have used the technology before the 2021 tournament began, and they went on to win a gold medal</a>, although their points deduction will massively hamper their chances of a repeat.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Canada's drone flight happened three days before the opening of the Olympic football tournament, with New Zealand lodging a complaint against the use of the drone. Joseph Lombardi - an "unaccredited analyst" - was arrested by French police, having also filmed another New Zealand session. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/olympic-spying-scandal-new-zealand-report-canada-staff-member-police-flying-drone-women-s-training-session/blt9074d292001b589d" target="_blank">Lombardi and assistant coach Jasmine Mander were both removed from the Olympic team swiftly after</a>, while Priestman was suspended. FIFA have now come down remarkably hard on the team.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

FIFA said in a <a href="https://inside.fifa.com/legal/judicial-bodies/news/fifa-appeal-committee-decision-on-the-canadian-soccer-association-and-its-officials" target="_blank">statement</a>: "CSA (Canadian Soccer Association) was found responsible for failing to respect the applicable FIFA regulations in connection with its failure to ensure the compliance of its participating officials of the OFT with the prohibition on flying drones over any training sites."The officials were each found responsible for offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play in connection with the CSA’s Women’s representative team’s drones usage in the scope of the OFT."Canada soccer CEO Kevin Blue expressed displeasure with the FIFA sanctions, saying in a statement:“Canada Soccer is disappointed with the impact of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on our athletes. We are exploring options to appeal on the basis that it is excessively punitive towards our Women’s National Team players – who were not involved in any unethical behaviour."Canada Soccer took swift action to suspend the implicated staff members and is also proceeding with a broad independent review that may lead to further disciplinary action. We appreciate the understanding and support for our players from our Canadian fans during this time.”

WHAT FIFA SAID

It is possible for Canada to qualify through the group stages despite their points deduction because third-placed teams will also advance, akin to the European Championship. Canada would likely need to win at least one of their remaining games, however.

WHAT NEXT?

FIFA deducts Canada Olympic team six points and bans Bev Priestman for a year over drone spying scandal | Goal.com

Canada Women&apos;s head coach Bev Priestman has been handed a one-year ban by FIFA, and the team have been docked six points, after their spying scandal.